Updates in Church Document Specify Adults Allowed in Bishop, Stake Presidency Interviews with Children

On Monday, the First Presidency shared updates in a resource document for Church leaders that specified adults are allowed to be included in bishop or stake president interviews with their children.

"When a member of a stake presidency or bishopric or another assigned leader meets with a child, youth, or woman, he or she should ask a parent or another adult to be in an adjoining room, foyer, or hall. If the person being interviewed desires, another adult may be invited to participate in the interview," according to the resource document "Preventing and Responding to Abuse." Leaders should avoid all circumstances that could be misunderstood (see Handbook 1,7.4)."

The updated document also clarified "A person must not be given a Church calling or assignment that involves working with children or youth if his or her membership record is not in the ward or if it has an annotation for abuse (see Handbook 1: Stake Presidents and Bishops[2010], 17.3.2)."

In addition, "Church leaders should never disregard a report of abuse or counsel a member not to report criminal activity to law enforcement personnel," the document states.

The updated document also follows a letter from the First Presidency urging Church leaders to read it to "help ensure the safety of our children, youth, and adults."

"This global issue causes great concern to us today," the First Presidency said in the letter.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to all those affected by this serious problem."